Can my landlord serve me with a non-smoking notice after I have already moved in and signed a lease?

Dear tenant, There is a growing trend where cities and apartment buildings are banning smoking. Because smoking itself has no "social utility,"...

Grand Jury again

Anyone can question you for anything. However, once you are under arrest, when the police question you, they are supposed to read you your rights...

Undocumented workers have the exact same rights to seek redress in the courts as people who are born in the United States. If, for example, the...

In CA, is a landlord absolutely required to pay interest to the tenant on the security deposit after the lease is up?

You do not have to pay interest on security deposits under state law. However, check your local municipal ordinances, because Petaluma might have...

Damage costs for a rental?

Yes.

Am I liable as a co-signer when the unit was vacated and someone else snuck in under cover of the night?

You are certainly not liable, and the leasing company may be liable to you for attempting to make you pay for a debt you do not owe. The...

Is it California law to pay security deposit AND 1st months rent to get keys to an apt.?

The landlord is allowed to charge first month's rent PLUS 2 months of rent as a security deposit. BUT, I believe your gut instinct is correct. ...

Cancel Lease Prior to Move-in Due to Uninhabitable Rental Unit

I think, because the landlord did not deliver the unit ready on the move-in date, that you have the right to all your money back. Sue the landlord...

Does a landlord have the right to keep tenants belonging

Dear tenant, This is an illegal lock-out. Call the police department again, and ask for the watch commander. Explain the situation to him. ...

No water

Dear tenant, This is an emergency health situation. Call the County Health Department on Monday morning and report the problem. You don't...